New to forum, many questions

Thanks to all for the feedback and advice.  It looks like the KIA will be ok as a TV, and I'll stay far away from the 3500 lb limit.  I'd still like to hear from Leo about how his minivan/179 rig handles.  Our other vehicle will be due for replacement in a few years, and I could look for higher tow capacity then (unless experience tells me to get it sooner).  The Ford Explorer seems like a good upgrade, but its engine is only slightly bigger than the KIA (3.5L vs. 3.3L), with slightly more HP (290 vs. 276), is only a couple hundred pounds heavier than the KIA, and it is also front wheel drive like the KIA, so I'm not sure why it has a much higher tow rating.  Beefier frame and suspension, maybe? 

Hadn't thought of the "George Washington Crossing the Delaware" posture for showering, but I guess it would work ok.  I'm very familiar with the "submarine shower" concept, having served on a submarine for a few years a long, long time ago.  Fell right back into that shower routine when we had a Class A.

Thanks again, and keep the comments and advice coming.

Most KOA campgrounds will let you shower for a reasonable fee.

To shower in our 177 I begin showering by sitting on the toilet, and then I stand up, turn around, and assume the "George Washington crossing the Delaware River" position.  It works quite well and I am 6' 185#s. I removed the shower hose from the wall holder so as to have full range of motion with it.

I have a town & country with a 4.0L pulling a 2016 176T. 2750 dry, probably over 3500 loaded. I've driven from Omaha back to Denver then down to Mississippi and back. Drives just fine. I have a WISH which does help a lot. I drove once without it and will never do that again. Only complaint is rear end sag. It's so bad that I lost all my plumbing underneath because the drains were closer to the ground d. Two dealers could not fix the sag. A local hitch only place says they can. The sag caused less then optimal front end traction.

Clearance is an issue at the hitch, but livable. Otherwise it pulls fine at speed, 75+. My controller is a Prodigy RF because I also have a Jeep, which is why I bought all this. If I go east, I take the van, west it's the Jeep.

If you have a transmission cooler you will be OK. Love the RPod.


Derek

1. I don't tow with a minivan. While at the lower end of capability, it sounds like you'll get where you are going - just don't plan on using 6th gear and no drag racing!

2. How to shower.....well.....you'll get used to it. The shower and toilet is one of my main reasons for owning a TT. Sitting - I did it at times. You just have to figure out what works. Whatever you do... DON'T DROP THE BAR OF SOAP! It's difficult to retrieve in such a small area.

3. I'd recommend it - especially since the van is probably softly sprung in the rear (and the 350lbs dead hitch weight limit). The FASTWAY E2 is very popular among this group (I use it).

4. I use the Prodigy controller and have been well pleased with it. There are cheaper ones and more expensive ones. I would not go with the cheaper (I've owned in the past). The few dollars more for the Prodigy is worth it.

If you are at all "handy", installation of the hitch and controller is not that bad and you can save a lot DIY. Many folks here have done it and can help with questions.

Good Luck!